Webinar Wednesday Recap: Trade Fundamentals

Last week we hosted a Webinar Wednesday session highlighting our Trade Fundamentals program. If you couldn’t join us live, don’t worry, you’ll find key highlights below, along with the full recording to watch at your convenience. 

During the session, prospective students heard from Nick Draker-Fortis, Student Recruitment Officer, Susan Brown, Program Coordinator and Red Seal Carpenter, and Glen Harris, Program Faculty, to explore what the Trade Fundamentals program offers. The discussion focused on program structure, hands-on learning opportunities, and how the program helps students explore different skilled trades before committing to a specific pathway. 

WHY TRADE FUNDAMENTALS AT FLEMING?  

Fleming’s Trade Fundamentals program is designed as a two-semester certificate that gives students a broad introduction to multiple trades and technologies. It’s ideal for students who are interested in skilled trades but want to explore their options before choosing a specific career path. 

Through a combination of hands-on lab experience and foundational coursework, students develop practical skills, improve math and communication abilities, and gain confidence working with tools and equipment. The program is delivered in Fleming’s Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre (KTTC), a modern, fully equipped facility designed to simulate real job site environments. 

THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS 

1. Explore Multiple Trades Before Choosing a Career Path 

The Trade Fundamentals program provides exposure to a wide range of trades, helping students discover what interests them most. Courses include carpentry, electrical, welding, plumbing and HVAC systems, along with emerging areas like automation and cybersecurity.  

Students also take a career investigations course that explores over 100+ apprenticeship pathways in Ontario and connects them with industry insights and alumni experiences. This allows students to make more informed decisions about their future education or career direction. 

2. Hands-On Learning in a Real-World Environment 

A major focus of the program is experiential learning. Students spend significant time in labs building projects, learning to safely operate tools, and applying technical skills in practical settings. 

All tools and equipment are provided, so students can gain experience without the upfront cost of purchasing their own. From carpentry projects to electrical wiring basics and welding techniques, students develop foundational skills that are directly transferable to real job sites.  

The KTTC facility enhances this experience by offering a multi-level trades environment where students learn in spaces that mirror real industry settings. 

3. Strong Pathways to Careers and Further Education 

Trade Fundamentals acts as a stepping stone into both the workforce and further education. Many graduates go on to enroll in specialized trade programs such as carpentry, electrical, welding, HVAC, and more. 

Others choose to enter the workforce in entry-level roles, using the foundational skills they’ve developed to begin building experience on the job. Employers value the program because students graduate with practical knowledge, safety awareness, and problem-solving skills.  

With ongoing demand for skilled trades, the program provides a strong starting point for a stable and in-demand career path. 

CHECK OUT THE FULL WEBINAR:  

HAVE QUESTIONS OR WANT TO LEARN MORE?  

If this session sparked your interest or you’re considering a future in the skilled trades, we’d love to connect with you. Our Student Recruitment. team and program representatives are here to answer questions, help you explore admission pathways, or guide you toward the right next step. Be sure to check out our upcoming Webinar Wednesday sessions online. We’re hosting new topics in the months ahead and it’s a great way to learn more about programs that excite you. 

CAN’T MAKE A LIVE WEBINAR WEDNESDAY EVENT?  

No problem! We’ll save video recordings on Fleming’s official YouTube channel. And don’t worry, Program Coordinators are always available to answer your questions!    

For more information about Webinar Wednesdays, please contact Student Recruitment.